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Magic Fire Van Gundy; Smith Departs, Too

By Lynn Zinser May 21, 2012 4:34 pmMay 21, 2012 4:34 pm

John Raoux/Associated PressFor Stan Van Gundy and Dwight Howard, coexistence was no longer an option.

In perhaps the least surprising development of the off-season, which started too early for Orlando, the Magic announced Monday that Coach Stan Van Gundy had been fired and that General Manager Otis Smith and the team had agreed on a breakup.

Van Gundy’s departure was all but assured in April when he told a gathering of reporters that center Dwight Howard had asked the team’s management to fire him. It was the most surreal day in a season full of them, courtesy of the season-long melodrama over whether Howard would be traded or re-sign with the franchise. Howard first demanded a trade, and then later said he was committed to the franchise for the long haul. In the end, Howard’s season was lost to a back injury, and the entire franchise seemed in need of therapy. The Magic lost to the Pacers in the first round of the playoffs in five games.

The Magic’s owner, Rich DeVos, was outspoken all season about his desire to re-sign Howard, despite his trade demand and his impending free agency. That meant Van Gundy, at least, was almost sure to be fired.

“On behalf of the DeVos Family, we sincerely appreciate and thank Otis and Stan for all that they have done on and off the floor for the Orlando Magic,” the team’s chief executive, Alex Martin, said in a statement. “These are the days you dread in this business, but we feel it’s time for new leadership and new voices.”

Van Gundy, 51, finished with a 259-135 regular-season record, and a 31-28 playoff record, over his five seasons. His high-water mark was leading the team to the N.B.A. finals in 2009, where the Magic lost to the Lakers. Smith has been the team’s general manager since 2006. He also played three seasons with the team from, 1989 to 1992.

Van Gundy is known for his rather combative, plain-speaking style and his willingness to take his players to task publicly. But he is also considered a sharp tactician who has his teams well prepared for opponents’ strategies. He also earned some admiration for his handling of the Howard mess, and some sympathy after revealing Howard wanted him fired.

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